Gerd Theißen Books

Focusing on the transformative power of sermons, the author aims to illuminate the struggles of individuals through thoughtful reflections on life's fundamental questions. Emphasizing the distinction between fleeting emotions and lasting thoughts, the work underscores how constructive thinking can foster positive feelings. "Traces of Light" captures the essence of these sermons and Bible studies, utilizing open and flexible metaphors to convey deeper meanings and insights.

Through the lens of evolutionary theory, Gerd Theissen explores the depths of the biblical tradition, drawing inspiration from thinkers like Karl Rahner and Teilhard de Chardin. He examines the "cultural evolution" of Christianity, suggesting that this analysis reveals insights into the ultimate goal of history: achieving complete adaptation to the reality of God. Theissen's approach avoids simplistic notions of progress, offering a nuanced perspective on the interplay between faith and evolution.

The collection showcases insights from a leading New Testament scholar, emphasizing how contemporary sermons reflect God's ongoing presence and communication. The author argues that these sermons break through the barriers of everyday thinking, suggesting a dynamic relationship between the divine and modern life. Through thoughtful analysis, the work invites readers to reconsider the significance of spiritual messages in today's world.

As those who have read his The Shadow of the Galilean and Biblical Faith are aware, Gerd Theissen is not someone whose main concern is the theory and practice of preaching. However, he himself is a fascinating preacher, as was evident in his imaginative collection The Open Door, which Frances Young in Theology described as 'nothing less than gripping'. In this book he engages as it were in self-analysis, an analysis of haw he preaches, in order to offer help to others. A first draft was shown to younger ministers, women and men, for their critical comments, and the book derives from lectures which gave rise to lively discussion. Professor Theissen's illuminating comments are grouped round a variety of focal points. The first chapter discusses the biblical world and how that can be approached; then comes the text, and the new possibilities offered by the 'open' text. The third chapter examines how preaching can talk about God and the fourth looks at the existential dimension of preaching. A fifth chapter on preaching as communication is followed by five sample sermons. Preachers will learn a great deal from this book - but so too will their congregations, and anyone interested in the communication of Christianity in the modern world. Few theologians are richer in creative ideas than Gerd Theissen, and they are here in abundance.

The author's deep personal connection to the subject matter stems from his early dissatisfaction with the theological community's inability to address the notion of God as an illusion. This work reflects his journey to seek answers to fundamental questions about faith, which he deemed essential during his student days. His commitment to exploring these ideas is a testament to his dedication to theology and the quest for a more convincing understanding of God.

In this book the author confronts the critical comments written on his works published in the anthology entitled “New Testament Border Crossings.” Theißen outlines his previous works in a summary of his thoughts, discussing his “Theory of Early Christian Religion,” research on Jesus, the social history of Early Christianity, the literary history of the New Testament, the psychology of religion, and practical theology. He also introduces a project of an evolutionary interpretation of Christianity. This volume offers a broad and exemplary insight into modern New Testament exegesis.

Theissen inquires into the correlation between the theological and ethical convictions of the first Christians as well as the social realities of the world in which they lived. He expands the form-critical inquiry into the Sitz im Leben of early Christian texts to ask about the significance of early Christian convictions in society.

Focusing on the historical and social context of Jesus of Nazareth, this book offers an authoritative exploration of the sources that inform our understanding of him. It delves into Jesus' roles as a charismatic teacher, Jewish prophet, healer, and ethical guide. Key historical events, such as the last supper and his death, are examined alongside the origins of Christology. Written in an accessible style with various learning aids, it serves as a reliable resource for students and educators interested in the study of Jesus.

Focusing on the emergence of Christianity, Theissen explores its development as a religion through myth, ritual, and ethics, framing religion as a cultural sign language that connects to ultimate reality. Building on his previous work, he delves into the historical and social context of Jesus' relationship with early churches, the dynamics of power and possessions, interpretations of Jesus' death, and the church-synagogue divide. This comprehensive analysis synthesizes beliefs, ethics, rituals, and the origins of the New Testament canon, presenting a systematic treatment of early Christianity.

The emergence of the New Testament canon is explored through the lens of early Christian literature, highlighting the evolution of religious organizations as discussed by Max Weber. Theissen outlines distinct phases of the early Christian movement, including the charismatic phase, the pseudepigraphic phase, the functional phase, and ultimately the canonic phase. This analysis provides insight into how diverse writings coalesced into the recognized canon, reflecting the complexities of early Christian identity and organization.